Zep, Inc. Appoints Dan Smytka as Chief Executive Officer

Global Growth Expert to Join Leading Innovator of Cleaning Solutions

August 15, 2019 01:10 PM Eastern Daylight Time

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Zep, Inc. (“Zep”), one of the world’s leading innovators of industrial cleaning solutions, and a portfolio company of New Mountain Capital, announced today that its Board of Directors has appointed Dan Smytka as Chief Executive Officer, effective September 3, 2019.

Mr. Smytka joins Zep after 11 years at the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, a leading provider of tires and service solutions serving commercial and consumer markets worldwide. Mr. Smytka has more than 30 years’ experience as a multi-functional senior executive, with global leadership experiences in the areas of sales & marketing, product management, supply chain management, manufacturing operations and finance.

Most recently, Mr. Smytka was the President for Goodyear’s Global Off-Highway businesses. Previously, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer for Goodyear’s EMEA region, with $5.0 billion in revenue. Before that, he served in leadership roles in Asia Pacific for seven years, including four years as President of that region, with $2.2 billion in revenue.

“On behalf of our Board of Directors, we are pleased to appoint Dan as our CEO,” said Ed Lonergan, Executive Chairman of Zep and New Mountain Capital Senior Advisor. “Dan is a proven and respected leader who has delivered strong operating results through a relentless commitment to customers and team members. With over three decades of experience successfully growing commercial and consumer revenue, market share and earnings for blue chip companies and in regions around the world, we are confident that Dan is an excellent fit for Zep.”

Mr. Smytka stated, “I am truly honored and excited about joining this dynamic global company and look forward to working closely with the management team, employees and Board of Directors to deliver innovative solutions that enhance customer value and support Zep’s long-term growth plans. With a long history as an innovator of cleaning solutions, Zep has strong market share, great brands and high-quality solutions supported by an experienced, customer-focused team of more than 2,000 associates around the world. These strengths provide the strategic and operational foundation to accelerate and focus our growth and cost efficiency initiatives to improve our competitive position and deliver improved profitability and cash performance.”

Prior to joining Goodyear, Mr. Smytka was President of the North American Building Systems & Services division of Carrier Corporation from 2007 to 2008. He previously worked for 17 years at the General Electric Company, where he held positions including President of its Engineered Systems division, President of the Asia Pacific Consumer and Industrial Group and General Manager of the refrigeration product line.

A native of Detroit, Michigan, Mr. Smytka earned a Master’s Degree in Corporate Finance from the University of Memphis. He received his Bachelor’s Degree with dual majors in Business Economics and Psychology from Creighton University.

About Zep, Inc.

Zep is a leading innovator, producer, and distributor of maintenance and cleaning solutions for retail, food & beverage, industrial & institutional, and vehicle care customers. Zep brings a large portfolio of premium brands built over an 80+ year legacy of developing the most effective products trusted by professionals and consumers to get the job done right the first time.